FIRST TIME REACTING TO Grace VanderWaal - Darkness Keeps Chasing Me

[@JmanTheVanderwaalFan]

She wrote this song supposedly in 30 minutes, which makes sense as she has said herself, if it takes her longer than an hour to write a song, she gets bored, lol. I absolutely loved your reaction to this jewel of modern music. She was 14 here, but 13 when she wrote this, but her voice now, forget it, it is unbelievable. I cannot stress enough that is is unbelievable. the rasp has only become more of her signature sound (As if it wasn't from the beginning). But do not let that fool you, she has various vocal styles, and her voice is very versatile throughout her career as she is 18 now. You have just listened to a pioneer in music as she is paving her own way in the industry. She is an amazing artist and I truly hope that you continue to do more songs of hers, I do not think you will be disappointed. She has an amazing catalog of music and her songs rang from pop to rock to jazzy to folky and beyond. The girl is a volcano of creativity and she will only draw you in further, thank you for this reaction, it is one for the books! Oh yeah, fair warning, she has the ability to suck you in, and if you get her music like I believe you just did, she wont let you out, so diving into this rabbit hole, I suggest you bring a lunch, and dinner as it is one big rabbit hole!

[@WarrenPDavis]

Well said.

[@MrTombre]

Grace Avery VanderWaal January 15, 2004 (age 18 years), is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is known for her distinctive vocals and has often accompanied herself on the ukulele. She won America Got Talent at the age of 12 with only original songs.

[@testpattern23]

Grace is beautiful and such a talent

[@erich7558]

Grace was making up songs when she was two years old. The first recording of one was on her third birthday. That recording is posted here on KZbin. She took piano lessons early and played the saxophone in her high school marching band while she was still in elementary school. But it was when she bought herself a ukulele for her 11th birthday and learned to play from a KZbin tutorial that she began to seriously write songs. One of her very first songs "I Don't Know My Name", she used for her audition on America's Got Talent when she was twelve. It went viral and currently has more than 115 million views. Grace wrote and performed three more songs for the show and won the million dollar first prize, still only twelve years old. Fast forward six years with the covid pandemic slowing her public progress. She has released an album and two EPs and some singles and also starred in two movies in those six years. Along with the released music she has given us a whole lot of music both originals and covers on live streams. I forgot to mention that before the pandemic she went on four tours, opening for Imagine Dragons North American Evolve Tour and opening several shows for Florence and The Machine. She headlined two of her own tours. And since the covid lockdown Grace has been experimenting with producing her own music at home and she is quite good at it. Here is a link to her catalog of music. catalog.vandervault.org/

[@jackietunberg5819]

This is why she is my all time favorite singing-songwriting Idol since agt a few years ago. She is a little GENIUS who is only getting better and better. A world class storyteller. She also acts and models and just about anything else she chooses to do. Her fans all LOVE her and are addicted to her. Unique voice, unique woman.

[@sammi4644]

Really enjoyed your reaction. I've been a huge fan since her first audition on AGT. You could tell ... she's unique and brilliant... and she continues to evolve. Incredibly diverse but unstoppable. Yes she was 12 when she wrote that. She was in the studio recording and there was time "left over" ... so she banged this out in about 30 minutes.... and it was the second she wrote that day!! Newer Grace to check out ... "Just Kids" and "Repeat". Welcome to what those of us who love her refer to as "The Rabbit Hole" ... she will not disappoint. A musical and lyrical genius. Enjoy the ride!! I look forward to watching more of your reactions to her music. Thanks 🙏 Btw Adam ... if you want to experience how Grace can make your bones rattle listen to "I Made It Out Alive". Her catolgue is staggering but anyone with a pulse is going to be affected by her. Enjoy 🙏

[@LarChoc]

Hope you do more of Grace. She also has starring roles in two Disney Plus movies, Stargirl and also Hollywood Stargirl, in which she wrote songs for the movies. She won America’s Got Talent at age of 12 by singing only her own songs. You will be amazed at her talent as you explore more by her.

[@justinatheodora]

You will love Grace!! She is amazing as a singer and songwriter.

[@jamesgriego1089]

Thank you for the wonderful comments to my favorite artist for the past 6 years, she was 13 yrs old when she wrote this song, which by the way is my favorite song of this incredible artist, she has a library of music that a lot of artist would love to have, she has been my favorite for years, her latest song just released this past month is Lion's Den, it tells a story that is so beautiful the way she performs it, she is as, Rolling Stone magazine has said a prodigy and a genius, I totally agree 👍

[@AdamStraughan]

Thank you! And remember to check out my reaction to Lion’s Den which I uploaded yesterday 😁

[@jamesgriego1089]

@@AdamStraughan I am going after it now, I'll get back after I see it,Lions Den!! Here we go!!!!!!

[@GRANTTRIBECreates]

LOL Welcome to Grace VanderWaal, The eloquence and mastery of Grace's musical genius stands alone in the music world of today, and her message .........is delivered with the impact of a sledgehammer directly into the listeners heart with complete and profound clarity. LOL Be forewarned you do not follow Grace down a rabbits hole. more like being drawn into a black matter star. She a pearl of a great and immeasurable price. She wrote this song at twelve, Lyrics and melodic phrasing. I believe she was 14 or 15 here. Thumbs up Adam, enjoyed your analysis😀

[@christinevr7698]

She DID write this song. This song in particular is such a clear expression of the feeling of depression - the sadness and the struggle. And yes this is the last song on her produced album, "Just the Beginning". I've been a huge fan of hers since her America's got talent days... her voice has matured and developed, and she is a brilliant song writer. I saw her live in concert, about 2 years ago, and she was captivating. If you are going to check out her discography, listen to The City, from her most recent EP - a great place to hear more of her range - power and softness.. She is amazing. I hope you listen to more of her work.

[@trip2229]

Real nice reaction. First time on your channel and my thanks to Tom for requesting this. Grace is 18yrs old and has written so many songs(this one included) it's astounding. She's been writing songs since she was 11yrs old. And the lyrics are at another level. This song is a must hear in production level. I plan on joining your patreon soon but in the meantime you've got my sub and spreading the word that you've discovered Grace. You will not believe what she's done in her young age. Incredible songwriter and musician. Thank you. Loved your reaction.

[@JmanTheVanderwaalFan]

The lyrics this girl writes are indeed on another level, I blame Trip for my knowledge of that, her lyrics will mess with your head....Her music will too, lyrical prodigy, song writing genius!

[@osovagabundo1]

Excellent, big Grace fan. Saw her live here in Asheville. Another prodigy, who hasn’t written a bad song since 11 years old. The album version of this captures her smoky lush voice much better. There was so much wind and noiise here that the mic is maxed on the gain and clips her voice. But this is a very rewarding rabbit hole. The album version has cello and guitar.

[@J0hnd0367]

Absolutely agree. Although Grace is a brilliant live performer, I always want reactors to listen to the studio version of this song. It´s sublime art.

[@osovagabundo1]

@@J0hnd0367 yep, there’s a high plaintive sound, a wrenching earnestness when the scratchy grit of it actually carves the whole notes into the sadness of this melody. When i first heard this I thought it was Fado style where the lonely and forlorn come to sing.

[@WilliamCHyland]

I have loved this beautiful young woman since I saw her first sing on America's Got Talent. She has an extraordinary talent for writing lyrics that spear to the heart of emotional trauma, and across the spectrum to the absolute joy of living. Combine that with her ability to build melodies that are sincerely unforgettable, and you get, as JmanTheVanderwaalFan said, a volcano of creativity. She also has some very interesting covers, such as her cover of I Can See Clearly Now. Listen to the studio version of Darkness Keeps Chasing Me, then do a reaction to Talk Good. No, don't thank me, it is my pleasure to introduce you to one of her fun ones!

[@johnraymond9170]

Welcome to Grace Land. Grace has her own universe in the music world. Her fan base is called the “Fanderwaals” and they rotate around this incredibly talented young artist like she’s the Sun. A once in a lifetime artist with talent untouched by anyone, taking music in different directions. If you continue looking for her, you’ll see she is much more than just a lyrical savant. She’s not trying to get on top of the mountain, she is the mountain!

[@robertoriskealmeida9153]

Thanks Adam Straughan great reaction. Darkness Keeps Chasing Me is a very good song in the melodic part, especially this initial fingering was great. What stands out about the artist is this incredible ability to compose her own songs and this one, she composed when she was just 13 years old, a remarkable intelligence. I'm sure you'll travel with the songs she wrote for sure you won't get out of your head they are so amazing, I recommend Repeat, Don't Assume What You Don't Know and Lion's Den, for starters. Her work is fantastic, worth checking out."Success always"!!!

[@jamesgriego1089]

Wow, you have taken this song and truly gave it your best work, i have been taken in to a world that ive known as a Veteran, and Grace at 13 yrs old to create a song that has the emotional explotion that so many people feel is to me incredible, i am a muscion and a song writer, grew up in the 60 in Laural Canyon West Hollywood, ive lived with a lot of singers actors songwriters artist that became so famouse by being original, This girl wrote this song in the studio on a break in 35 min. I say she is the true meaning of a musical prodigy and genius song writer, if you can my friend, listen to Her song Lungs, and Hope For Change, you will see what i mean by prodical genius as a child song writer that comunicates to all who listen to her original music, you will definately be in awe! Thank you a billion times for a great break down of DKCM and the incredible artist who wrote it!!!

[@andrewsilvia7773]

Great reaction, you did a great job breaking down how hard the song was and giving Grace the credit she so much deserved singing it and writing it. Grace was 13 when she wrote this song. Windex commercial with Grace's song is just as good as this one. Great reaction

[@JamesThomas-dn6ee]

She was 13 when she wrote and recorded it 14 in this performance and 18 now and that voice is even more amazing now.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

I just listened to a video she uploaded about struggling with suicide and it just breaks my heart to hear this. It goes to show ya she won Americas got talent at 8 years old and had an amazing career , now in her mid to late teens and you’d think what a dream career and life but she’s struggling with darkness this much.

[@chmtopforever2177]

LOL . who are you talking about ?

[@peikathryn]

I have been listening to you for a while and was wondering when you would get to Grace and I knew you would appreciate her as much as us fans do. I have been listening to her for 6 years since she won America's Got Talent at the age of 12 with all original songs. Her voice has matured and grown more controlled and beautiful as she has aged. She is constantly changing her styles and her live performances are as if she's in a recording studio. When she does a cover she makes it her own. Her latest release is Lion's Den and she's about to release an EP at any time now or "soon" as she likes to tease. I think this girl is going to be the next big thing and her songs have so much depth, in a way she reminds me of Aurora with how she feels whatever she sings. She has a loyal fan base that I'm sure will join here when they hear you're covering her.

[@BobbyU808]

Darkness Keeps Chasing Me 🎼 “once in a great while a gift falls out of the sky but some choose not to believe because gifts do not magically fall out of the sky” grace, an outspoken advocate of depression awareness, wrote _darkness keeps chasing me_ when she was _thirteen._ the song is a hauntingly beautiful melody which reflects the artist’s internal struggles with her personal demons. grace’s ability to embody emotions in her music is on full display here. this, and an air of inevitability which hangs over the music makes it a difficult listen for some. the studio recording is so darkly compelling that her handlers discouraged her from performing it in public out of concern for her younger fans. grace complied for a season but grace being grace eventually forced their hand because this is her song, and her declaration to the world of what is possible from the most important singer-songwriter of this generation. the amazing grace vanderwaal

[@gregcadman6102]

Thing is she wrote this at 13 and its not just the only song she wrote where her lyrics are beyond her years, try listen to a song she wrote called "Lungs" amongst many others where she just does this time and time again

[@moonatnoon953]

"Lungs" is the very best example of her poetic vision. Grace is grown up, but her melodies and lyrics are still kind of ethereal. To me, she is the reigning Queen of emotional projective empathy. What she feels, I feel, or I feel what she wants me to feel. The first time listening to the song "Lungs" is when I was sure that we are truly blessed to hear her stories. Well worth listening to whether he reacts to it or not. That song can change people. Lungs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZfSpHWEoc2pfdE

[@atanaspopov6204]

Great reaction to Grace. We need this

[@tendicottjr]

There is a studio ver. Check it out

[@johncole282]

I’m glad you like her she’s my favourite female singer songwriter if you get a chance try listening to her song (lungs) (hideaway ) and and a song she sang for her sister it’s called beautiful thing and there many other great songs she wrote thank you and great reaction

[@aslschoolsrules11]

The song is genius.❤

[@jackietunberg5819]

An exceelent story teller. I love her. My only IDOL

[@dieterkoch6563]

Great reaction, pretty well covered all the bases, all you need now is to go through her catalogue with the lyric sheets in hand to get the full effect. Better allow about 20 hours. Oh yeah, then there is the starring in two Disney movies before the age of 18.

[@citiesskylinesparadoxspector11]

Grace has been around for a little while now & I've been a big fan ever since she walked onto the AGT stage & WOW'd everyone At age 12. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3_bgGyDpbZlrKM, hit the record button before you start watching, you will what to do a reaction vid on this one for sure.

[@todradmaker4297]

Yes, this one is a must see, Adam. This is where we were introduced to this very gifted singer songwriter with her first moving original.

[@JmanTheVanderwaalFan]

I will third that notion!!

[@leniradavid778]

Inscrita em seu canal! Espero mais reações da nossa rainha 👑 Grace! ❤️💥🇧🇷 Brasil

[@markericcarlson6576]

SUBSCRIBED♤♡◇♧☆▪︎ Hi Adam, excellent review of Grace V. You are in the top tier of performance reactors- insightful, knowledgeable, honest and understanding. Did you know in certain light and camera angle you could easily play American President Abraham Lincoln ?- Think about it, it could be a good side hustle for you!- With respect , Cap'n Marc, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

[@AdamStraughan]

Thank you for subscribing and for your kind words! I’ve never had that comparison of Lincoln before haha

[@McDevittMike]

This is a self-written song that she composed when she was 12-13. In my mind it's one of the best I've heard in years. She is very prolific and, frankly, a little nuts, but her music is beautiful. Her most recent release is 'Lion's Den' : kzbin.info/www/bejne/onnRn6qAbLOeiMU 😎

[@JmanTheVanderwaalFan]

What a beautiful and incredibly emotional song Lion's Den truly is! I would love to see a reaction to that one, Great choice for a request Mike, you have good tase my friend!

[@JTF2402]

Please react to her new song: Lion's Den!

[@thomascuppernell1706]

To Really get Grace you need to go down the Grace Rabbit hole!!, Start when she Was twelve yrs old and won AGT with only songs she wrote, and then watch her live streams, if you do that you will find more than a singer or song writer you will find a wonderful soul of a person!!.

[@bryandavis9731]

Awesome reaction to Grace , thank you Adam. All of grace 2016, 2017 songs are as good if not better than this, get blown away, check out Grace. Rock on

[@breadsandwich336]

something about performing on a roof brings out the best in people

[@danspicks]

Well,i skipped back to the beginning of your Grace Vanderwaal journey. Thanks for reminding me what I was missing. BTW she really admired Billie Eilish before Billie hit it big at the Grammy’s.

[@rogerpyle1359]

I'd recommend watching it again and pay more attention to the words instead of her singing style. They have been known to bring grown men to tears.

[@AdamStraughan]

This was my first listen, which means I usually go back and read the lyrics to go with the song! It’s very nicely written

[@trip2229]

I guess you forgot about Grace Vanderwaal. It's been awhile since this reaction. Hopefully you're get back to her.

[@AdamStraughan]

I haven’t forgotten, there’s just so much talent out there :)

[@eross3140]

Will you please react to Hua Chenyu again?

[@AdamStraughan]

Yes!

[@JaneFromMars]

@@AdamStraughan Yes, please. More Hua Chenyu.🙏 You haven't see "nunchucks" yet, It's usually the first reaction , it's really good. All of his performance are really good.😄

[@Lestat2705]

No patreon possible so just hoping you get to 'John Moreland: You don't love me enough to cry' someday An for Grace. Just watch the America got talent version of 'know my name' That version is the most real

[@JmanTheVanderwaalFan]

"I Don't Know My Name"

[@Lestat2705]

@@JmanTheVanderwaalFan oops indeed. My bad

[@citiesskylinesparadoxspector11]

Great videos Adam, really love your Angelina Jordan stuff as I'm the biggest fan of that one, she is the pinicle of musicality, nothing comes close to her talents, she is like no other, you should also check out, Charlotte Summers, Danelia Teleshova, Alice Fredenham, Calum Scott, Laura Bretan, Darci Lynne Farmer, Angelica Hale, Janet Devlin, Beau Dermott, these singers are some of the best in the world, right up there almost at AJ's level, almost!, but miles above anything else the world has to after at the moment. These AGT & x-factor auditions are killer, every one are world-class, Michael Collins, Owen Campbell, Sal Valentinetti, Cody Lee, Mark Metral & Wendy, Micheal Ketterer, Danyl Johnson, Stacey Soloman, Jamie Archer, James Arther, 4th Power, Christopher Maloney, Father Ray Kelly.

[@JamesThomas-dn6ee]

When aj starts writing songs on grace vanderwaals level then we can talk but until then she is just about great cover singer

[@citiesskylinesparadoxspector11]

​@@JamesThomas-dn6ee AJ has written several original songs & they are all absolutely great, plus I would go as far to say AJ re-works many of her cover songs to such an extent they might as well be new songs, it's AJ all the way for me, she is the total package & so prolific with her releases, not taking anything away from grace though, she is a phenomenon in her own right, her writing skills are second to none, some of if not the best I've heard in decades, I think AJ is by far the best vocalist & Grace is easy the better songwriter, it's not really a choice AJ or Grace, really love both girls for there individual & unique quirks & skill sets, along with Courtney Hadwin, Charlotte Summers & Danelia Tuleshova, I think all five girls are exceptional talents in their own rights & they are all going to dominate the music industry for the for seeable future.

[@JamesThomas-dn6ee]

@@citiesskylinesparadoxspector11 grace all the way for me but I do agree aj is simply amazing the voice is beautiful.

[@citiesskylinesparadoxspector11]

​@@JamesThomas-dn6ee, You obviously know good singing & vocals & songwriting when you hear it, so I'm wondering if you have heard of "Elise Trouw", she is a live looper & has a stunning voice, multi instrumentalist, song writer & she has the maddest skill set, captivating to watch.

[@JamesThomas-dn6ee]

@@citiesskylinesparadoxspector11 no but I will look her up

[@destitute8493]

Years ago there was a young British singer named Charlotte Church, who showed enormous potential. People were calling her a prodigy and predicting wonderful things. Then puberty and hormones hit and she went nuts and her career went down the toilet. Grace is the same. I hope she recovers.

[@myblue1919]

Yes people really like all the fake shit .

[@AdamStraughan]

I don’t think growing up, enjoying being a teenager and then wanting to start a family later should be classed as “puberty and hormones hit and she went nuts” That’s pretty disrespectful in my opinion. She went through a lot, from there being a ‘countdown timer to her loosing her virginity’ (which is disgusting) to the press calling her ‘fat’ on a regular basis. She didn’t turn ‘nuts’, she took control of her own life and did what she wanted to do with her own career - I say more power to her for doing that. She is still an incredible classically trained singer, whether she is pursuing a career in that today or not.

[@destitute8493]

@@AdamStraughan Left home at 16, estranged from parents, shacked up with a heroin dealer, etc. But I understand she's straightened her life out, so good for her. (Referring to Charlotte, not Grace).

[@AdamStraughan]

@@destitute8493 That was *part* of a narrative, a lot of which was extrapolated by the media and ignores a lot of what actually happened. But yes, it’s great that she’s in a good place now as you say.

[@Jeff_674]

There is nothing to "recover" from for Grace. She's happy and doing great right now. She moved into her first apartment on her own in June, which she was very excited about, and seems to be overall a very happy person right now with things going well for her.